How are ornamental grasses different from regular lawn grasses?

Ornamental grasses are planted in pots or borders for decorative purposes. Regular lawn grasses cover vast expanses of garden and are dense enough to be walked on or used for recreational purposes. While lawn grasses are mown regularly to be kept functional, ornamental grasses are chosen for their height, colour or texture to add style and structure to a garden.

When is the best time to cut back ornamental grasses?

The best time to cut back ornamental grasses depends on whether they're an evergreen or deciduous variety. Only prune the dead branches away from evergreen ornamental grasses and don't cut back too heavily, as this could affect their growth. Cut back deciduous ornamental grasses before their new shoots start to emerge, typically this is early to mid-spring, depending on the species. This should only be done once a year.

Should I leave ornamental grasses standing over winter?

Yes, ornamental grasses should be left standing over winter. Most varieties are hardy enough to survived low temperatures, so you don't need to cover them in fleece or bring them inside during wintertime. Wait until the spring to prune your ornamental grasses, as they may die off if trimmed too soon.

Which types of ornamental grasses are evergreen or semi-evergreen in the UK?

Several UK varieties of ornamental grasses are evergreen or semi-evergreen. Unlike deciduous grasses, they retain most or all of their foliage and colour over winter, making them a great backbone plant. We offer a range of different types to suit your garden's style, soil conditions and space.

Are ornamental grasses suitable for low-maintenance gardens?

Ornamental grasses are excellent choices for low-maintenance gardens as they provide texture and movement with very little effort. Most require minimal care beyond an annual cut-back or occasional tidying, and they are typically drought-tolerant and pest-resistant once established.

How do I choose the right ornamental grass for privacy, borders or container planting?

To choose the right ornamental grass, think about the particular features you want. For example, to use it for adding privacy, you'll need a variety with thick foliage. For borders and containers, you might want to add a type with a particular height, colour or form. If you're planting directly into the ground, make sure the variety is suitable for your soil or space conditions and is fully winter hardy.

How often should I divide or re-pot ornamental grasses when grown in containers?

Container-grown ornamental grasses usually need dividing or repotting every two to three years, depending on its growth rate. Signs that a grass needs dividing include a thinning or dead centre, a limp appearance or roots circling tightly inside the pot.

Ornamental Grasses

Add Effortless Elegance with Ornamental Grasses

Full of texture and movement, ornamental grasses are as easy to care for and they are striking to look at. A great companion plant, some varieties are also native to the UK, meaning they can bring year-round structure, form and colour to any border, where they can complement your other plants. Once planted in a sunny, open spot, they need minimal care, helping even beginner gardeners create beautiful outdoor spaces with minimal effort.

From flowering to evergreen varieties, growing ornamental grasses is a sure-fire way to add focal points and graceful movement. Pampas grasses are perfect for adding height to your landscape, with soft, feathery plumes that grow in a range of colours and are fully hardy. For lower-level interest, the evergreen Carex adds subtle colour and texture to planters, tubs or baskets, with foliage that grow well in shade or sunshine. To add some 'wow' factor to your garden, opt for fiery Miscanthus, which holds its striking red shade even in colder months.
One of the best features of ornamental grasses is their hardiness and versatility. They can fit beautifully between other border plants, such as shrubs, perennials or seasonal flowers, even when planted in gravel. Easily grown in pots, baskets or containers, use them to add contemporary style to your patio or paved areas before replanting them to your main garden space.